NCERT Solutions — Class 9 English (Kaveri)

Chapter 1: How I Taught My Grandmother to Read

by Sudha Murty

📄 PAGE 1 — Reflect and Respond

I. Word Web — Why is it important to learn how to read and write?

Answer: Possible answers to fill the four boxes:

1. Independence – We can read books, fill forms, and use mobile phones on our own without needing anyone’s help.
2. Knowledge – Reading and writing open the doors to information, news, and education.
3. Communication – We can write letters, send messages, and express our feelings clearly.
4. Confidence – A literate person feels self-assured in society and can make informed decisions.

II. Read and share your answers

Q1. Which language(s) do your grandparents or elderly relatives speak?

Answer: My grandparents speak Hindi and our regional language at home. They also understand a little English.

Q2. How do they spend their time? How do you spend time with them?

Answer: They spend their time reading newspapers, watching TV, doing prayers, gardening, and meeting friends. I spend time with them by listening to their stories, helping them with their phones, and playing games like carrom or chess.

Q3. What is your favourite experience with them?

Answer: My favourite experience is listening to my grandmother’s bedtime stories about her childhood village and the festivals they celebrated.

Q4. What is something the elderly in your family cannot do easily but enjoy watching you do?

Answer: They cannot use smartphones or computers easily but love watching me video-call relatives, take pictures, and play online games.

📄 PAGE 2 — III. Match the Highlighted Words with Their Meanings

Q. Match the highlighted words with their meanings.

Answer:

📄 PAGES 6–7 — Check Your Understanding (Part I)

I. Cause and Effect Table

Q. Complete the cause and effect table given below based on Part I of the story.

Answer:

Q II. Do you think the narrator expected to see her grandmother in tears when she returned to the village? If yes, why? If no, why not?

Answer: No, the narrator did not expect to see her grandmother in tears. She was very surprised because she had never seen her grandmother cry, even in the most difficult situations. The grandmother was usually a strong, smiling, and cheerful lady. So, finding her in tears immediately worried the narrator.

Q III. How might the narrator help her grandmother to fulfil her desire to learn to read and write?

Answer: The narrator can help her grandmother by:

• Teaching her the Kannada alphabet, letter by letter, every day.
• Giving her simple reading and writing exercises as homework.
• Reading the magazine to her until she can read on her own.
• Encouraging her and praising her progress to keep her motivated.
• Buying her storybooks and novels to practise reading.

📄 PAGES 9–10 — Check Your Understanding (Part II)

I. State whether the following sentences are true or false.

Q1. The grandmother wanted to learn the Kannada alphabet to gain independence.

Answer: True

Q2. The grandmother asked someone in the village to read Kashi Yatre to her while the narrator was away.

Answer: False (She felt too embarrassed to ask anyone.)

Q3. The narrator was the grandmother’s first teacher and taught her how to read Kannada.

Answer: True

Q4. The grandmother believed that there was no age limit for learning.

Answer: True

Q5. The grandmother touched the narrator’s feet as a mark of respect for her as a teacher.

Answer: True

Q6. The narrator was disappointed with the progress her grandmother made in learning to read.

Answer: False (She was very proud — her student passed with flying colours.)

📄 PAGES 10–12 — Critical Reflection

I. Read the Extracts and Answer

Extract 1 — Grandmother in tears scene

Q (i). The phrase “never seen her cry in the most difficult situations” tells us that the grandmother was ________________________.

Answer: A. strong-willed

Q (ii). Grandmother did not reply when the narrator asked if she was alright because she might have been too ________________________ (emotional/tired) to respond.

Answer: emotional

Q (iii). Identify the clue from the extract that indicates a rural setting with traditional customs.

Answer: The clue is “sleeping in the open terrace of our house” on a summer night with a full moon. This is a typical rural Indian custom where families sleep on terraces during summer nights.

Q (iv). Which lines of the extract establish a tender atmosphere?

Answer: The lines — “Avva came and sat next to me. Her affectionate hands touched my forehead.” — create a warm, tender, and loving atmosphere between the grandmother and her granddaughter.

Q (v). Which of the following aspect is NOT emphasised in the given extract?

Answer: C. the grandmother’s regret over her lack of education. (In this extract, her regret is not yet revealed — it is shown later.)

Extract 2 — Grandmother’s decision to learn

Q (i). What does the grandmother’s statement, “I want to be independent,” reveal about her character?

Answer: B. She desires self-sufficiency.

Q (ii). The grandmother’s determination shows that learning has no ___________________. (age limit/gender bias/cultural barriers)

Answer: age limit

Q (iii). The narrator laughs at her grandmother’s decision to learn the alphabet at the age of sixty-two because ___________________.

Answer: she finds it funny and unrealistic that a 62-year-old woman with grey hair, wrinkled hands, spectacles, and a busy kitchen life would now want to learn the alphabet from scratch.

Q (iv). List any two qualities displayed by the grandmother.

Answer:

1. Determination – She set Saraswati Puja day as her deadline and worked hard to meet it.
2. Self-respect / Independence – She didn’t want to depend on others to read for her.

(Other acceptable qualities: hardworking, humble, focused, courageous.)

Q (v). How can we say that the narrator is making assumptions about her grandmother?

Answer: The narrator assumes that age, grey hair, wrinkled hands, spectacles, and kitchen work make learning impossible at 62. She judges her grandmother by her appearance and age rather than her willpower — which turns out to be wrong.

II. Answer the Following Questions.

Q1. Why do you think the grandmother felt embarrassed to ask someone else to read to her while the narrator was away?

Answer: The grandmother felt embarrassed because asking someone else to read for her would expose her illiteracy. Although her family was well-off, she felt helpless and dependent without the ability to read. Her self-respect did not allow her to admit her weakness in front of fellow villagers.

Q2. Why does the narrator initially laugh at her grandmother’s determination to learn at the age of sixty-two?

Answer: The narrator was only twelve and thought childishly. She believed that learning was meant only for the young. Looking at her grandmother’s grey hair, wrinkled hands, spectacles, and her many household duties, she found the idea funny and unrealistic.

Q3. What significance does the story of Kashi Yatre have in both the grandmother’s life and the story?

Answer: Kashi Yatre tells the story of an old lady who longs to visit Kashi but ultimately sacrifices her savings for an orphan girl’s wedding. The grandmother deeply identified with this character because she too had never been to Kashi. The novel reflects her values of sacrifice, devotion, and selflessness. In the story, Kashi Yatre becomes the very reason she decides to learn to read — making it the turning point of the plot.

Q4. What does the grandmother’s desire to learn the Kannada alphabet reflect about her?

Answer: It reflects her inner strength, self-respect, courage, and willpower. It shows that she values independence over comfort and is willing to work hard at any age to achieve it. She believes age is no barrier to learning.

Q5. What lessons can we infer from the grandmother’s action of touching the narrator’s feet?

Answer:

• A teacher deserves respect, regardless of age or gender.
• True respect is given for knowledge and effort, not merely for relationship or seniority.
• One should remain humble even after achieving success.
• Indian culture and scriptures emphasise honouring the guru.

Q6. What does the following line tell us about the broader theme of the story? “For a good cause if you are determined, you can overcome any obstacle.”

Answer: The line conveys the central theme: determination and willpower can overcome any obstacle — be it age, social conditions, or physical limitations. The story celebrates the value of education, self-belief, and perseverance.

Q7. How effectively does the story highlight the value of education in supporting personal independence?

Answer: The story highlights this value very effectively. The grandmother’s helplessness when she couldn’t read Kashi Yatre shows how illiteracy creates dependence. Her transformation — from a tearful, dependent woman to a confident reader who can read a novel on her own — demonstrates how education brings dignity, self-reliance, and freedom. It proves that literacy is not just a skill but a gateway to personal independence.

📄 PAGE 13 — Vocabulary and Structures in Context

I. Match the Binomials with Their Meanings

Q. Match the binomials in Column 1 with their meanings in Column 2.

Answer:

Q. Now, use any five of the above binomials in sentences of your own.

Answer:

1. Sink or swim – After moving to a new city for college, it was a sink-or-swim situation for me.
2. On and off – It rained on and off the entire weekend.
3. All or nothing – For Riya, scoring full marks was an all-or-nothing goal.
4. Sooner or later – Sooner or later, she will realise the value of hard work.
5. Leaps and bounds – After joining the new coaching, his English improved by leaps and bounds.

📄 PAGE 14 — Prefixes

II. Form opposites by adding suitable prefixes

Q. Add the suitable prefixes to the words from the text.

Answer:

Q III. Identify any five words with prefixes from the story and make sentences using each.

Answer:

1. Unfortunately – Unfortunately, the writer Triveni died very young.
2. Unhappy – The grandmother looked unhappy when the narrator returned from the wedding.
3. Independent – The grandmother wanted to be independent and read on her own.
4. Unusual – She did something unusual when she touched the narrator’s feet.
5. Irrespective – A teacher should be respected irrespective of age and gender.

📄 PAGE 15 — Idioms Related to ‘Learning’

IV. Match the Idioms

Q. Match the idioms related to ‘learning’ given in Column 1 with their meanings in Column 2.

Answer:

Q. Now, use these idioms in sentences of your own.

Answer:

1. Hit the books – With the exams a week away, I need to hit the books seriously.
2. Drew a blank – When the teacher asked me about the chapter, I drew a blank.
3. Learn the ropes – As a new intern, it took me a month to learn the ropes.
4. Rack one’s brain – I racked my brain trying to solve the math problem.
5. Learn by heart – She learnt the entire poem by heart in just one day.
6. Burn the midnight oil – Before the boards, students often burn the midnight oil.

📄 PAGES 15–16 — Past Perfect Tense

V. (i) Fill in the blanks with simple past and past perfect tense form of the verbs given in brackets.

Q A. When the delegates _________ (arrive) at the conference, the keynote speaker _________ (already begin) the session.

Answer: When the delegates arrived at the conference, the keynote speaker had already begun the session.

Q B. After the students _________ (learn) how to identify fake news online, they _________ (start) verifying information before sharing it.

Answer: After the students had learnt how to identify fake news online, they started verifying information before sharing it.

Q C. Before Kiran _________ (start) using digital payment platforms, she _________ (ensure) her understanding of online fraud prevention.

Answer: Before Kiran started using digital payment platforms, she had ensured her understanding of online fraud prevention.

Q D. By the time Varun _________ (recognise) the importance of budgeting, he _________ (exhaust) most of his savings.

Answer: By the time Varun recognised the importance of budgeting, he had exhausted most of his savings.

Q E. When Raghu _________ (log in) to the cybersecurity webinar, the instructor _________ (already discuss) the importance of strong passwords.

Answer: When Raghu logged in to the cybersecurity webinar, the instructor had already discussed the importance of strong passwords.

V. (ii) Fill in the blanks with the correct form of verbs given in brackets.

Q. Last year, my parents and I A. _________ (take) a financial planning course. When we B. _________ (review) our expenses, we realised we C. _________ (spend) too much on unnecessary purchases. After my parents D. _________ (discuss) ways to save, I E. _________ (open) a savings account. By the time we F. _________ (set) our budget, the course G. _________ (already introduce) investment strategies. We H. _________ (hurry) to take notes, but many participants I. _________ (complete) their financial plans. Despite that, we J. _________ (enjoy) learning how to manage money wisely.

Answer:

• A. took
• B. reviewed
• C. had spent
• D. had discussed
• E. opened
• F. set
• G. had already introduced
• H. hurried
• I. had completed
• J. enjoyed

📄 PAGE 17 — Listen and Respond

(Sample answers based on context — actual answers depend on the audio transcript)

Q1. Literacy these days includes the ability to use _____________.

Answer: digital devices / technology

Q2. Digital literacy is also about protecting _____________.

Answer: personal information / privacy online

Q3. Digital literacy enables the elderly to ______________.

Answer: stay connected with family / use online services independently

Q4. Digital literacy encourages using the internet safely by helping us recognise ______________ and _______________.

Answer: fake news and online scams / frauds

Q5. The National Digital Literacy Mission helps people across the country by imparting ______________.

Answer: basic digital skills / training

📄 PAGES 17–18 — Speaking Activity (Turncoat Debate)

Q. Topic 1: It is important to learn a new language apart from your mother tongue.

Answer:

FOR (One Minute): “To begin with, I would like to speak for the topic. Learning a new language opens doors to new opportunities — better jobs, higher studies, and global travel. It helps us connect with people from other cultures and broadens our thinking. In a country like India with 22 official languages, knowing more than one language helps national integration. Most importantly, research shows that bilingual minds are sharper and more creative.”

AGAINST (One Minute): “On the contrary, focusing on too many languages may weaken our grip on our mother tongue. Our mother tongue carries our identity, traditions, and emotions. There’s no doubt that learning multiple languages takes time away from other important subjects like science and mathematics. Well, I am not sure whether you can really master any language if you keep switching between them. So, to put it in a few words, depth is more important than breadth.”

Q. Topic 2: Learning can happen only when you are young.

Answer:

FOR: Children’s minds absorb information faster; their memory is sharper, and they have fewer distractions. Young learners pick up languages, music, and skills more naturally than adults.

AGAINST: Sudha Murty’s grandmother proves otherwise. At 62, she learnt to read Kannada. Learning has no age — only willpower matters. Many great inventors and writers continued learning well into old age.

📄 PAGE 19 — Writing Task: Letter to the Editor

Q. As a socially responsible citizen, write a letter to the Editor of a local newspaper emphasising the importance of student participation in adult literacy camps.

Answer:

ABC School, Sector 21, New Delhi – 110021 20 May 2026

The Editor, The Daily Times, New Delhi

Subject: Promoting Adult Literacy Through Student Volunteers

Sir/Madam,

Through the columns of your esteemed daily, I would like to draw the attention of fellow citizens towards an important issue — adult illiteracy in our country. Despite many government schemes, a large section of our adult population still cannot read or write. As a concerned student, I strongly believe that we, the youth, can play a meaningful role in solving this problem.

The issue affects not only individuals but society at large. Illiteracy leads to dependence, financial exploitation, and lack of awareness about health, rights, and digital services. It is imperative that we encourage students to participate in adult literacy camps run by NGOs and government bodies. By engaging in such programmes, students develop empathy, leadership skills, and a deeper appreciation for education. Such initiatives nurture a sense of social responsibility from a young age.

A possible solution could be making volunteer literacy work a part of the school curriculum or CCA activities. Schools can organise weekend literacy drives where senior students teach the basics of reading, writing, and digital literacy to the elderly and adults in nearby communities. Awareness can be spread through posters, social media campaigns, and short films created by students. I am hopeful that necessary steps will be taken to encourage more students towards this noble cause. I trust this matter will be considered seriously for the benefit of all.

I hope this letter gets published in the columns of your esteemed daily.

Yours truly, Aarav Sharma Class 9, ABC School

📄 PAGES 20–22 — Learning Beyond the Text

I. Words from Five Indian Languages

Q. Complete the table with words from any five Indian languages.

Answer:

II. Do You Know? — Quick Notes

Q. Note down information about the following.

Answer:

1. NLMA (National Literacy Mission Authority) designs and implements adult education in India under the Ministry of Education.
2. Financial Literacy is the ability to manage money — budgeting, saving, investing. Promoted by the NCFE.
3. Early Literacy Project (ELP) targets out-of-school and underachieving children in rural government primary schools.
4. Cultural Literacy means understanding and appreciating India’s traditions, languages, and arts. Promoted by CCRT.

III. Activity

Q. Talk to your grandparents and find out which book or magazine they enjoy reading. Buy a copy of it and present it to them as a gift.

Answer: This is a personal activity. Speak to your grandparents and ask them about their favourite reading material — it could be a religious book, a regional magazine, a newspaper supplement, or a classic novel. Gifting it to them, just like the narrator gifted Kashi Yatre to her grandmother, will make them feel valued and loved.

🌟 Key Takeaways from the Chapter

— End of NCERT Solutions for “How I Taught My Grandmother to Read” —